Budda Baker fields trade questions in Halloween mask

Baker wore a black-and-white clown mask while speaking with reporters, continuing his Halloween costume tradition. Asked about rumors that Arizona could trade him, he said he was focused on the present and on preparing to face the Dallas Cowboys. The mask muffled his answer, but the exchange quickly spread online, with fans divided over the stunt.

The 30-year-old has not asked to leave the Cardinals, he said earlier in the week, and has not asked the team to keep him. Baker said he wants to win and hopes to remain in Arizona after the deadline, while recognizing that trades are part of the business. He also said he had not discussed his future with general manager Monti Ossenfort.

Baker is in his 10th season with Arizona and has earned eight Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors. He is under contract through 2027. His current deal is a three-year, $54 million contract signed in December 2024, and his pay this year is set at $16.17 million.

Arizona is 2-5, and the November 10 deadline is approaching. Baker has drawn trade interest, but a deal is not certain. He entered the game against Dallas with one interception, 3.5 sacks and 44 tackles. For now, he remains a Cardinal and says his focus is on the next game.